Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Blood culture
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A blood culture is a test that looks for bacteria or fungi in your blood. It helps doctors find serious infections like sepsis, which is a dangerous body-wide response to infection.
Key facts
- Results usually take 2 to 3 days because the lab needs to watch for germ growth.
- You may have two or more blood samples taken from different spots to increase accuracy.
- The test helps doctors choose the right treatment, often antibiotics given through a vein.
Blood culture is a common test in hospitals when a serious bloodstream infection is suspected.
It is used for people of any age who have signs of a severe infection, such as high fever, chills, rapid breathing, or confusion.